Material being marketed by ISIS: Neo-Assyrian Stele, FBI, Daesh


 

Carved Neo-Assyrian Stone
This is believed to be the upper portion of a round‐topped stone stela (upright stone slab bearing a relief design) carved with an image of a provincial official, most likely a eunuch, facing left, with his right forearm and hand raised. This item is believed to be from the archaeological site of Tell Ajaja in the Khabur region of northern Syria.

FBI database: https://artcrimes.fbi.gov/nsaf/neo-assyrian-stone-stele/art-view?cfs=true

Neo-Assyrian Stone Stele

Description:
Partial stele, broken at the bottom. The upper edge is rounded and has a raised border on the perimeter. The carved relief is of a provincial official facing left, with his right forearm and hand raised in a standard gesture. The lower part of the stele is covered with cuneiform inscription.
Additional Information: Inscription in cuneiform script to the god Samnuha. ISIL looted antiquity.
Category Sculpture
Reference Number 00454
Maker/Artist Neo-Assyrian
Materials Stone
Time Period 859-824 B.C.

 

The DC US Attorney has just filed for forfeiture against four specific items found amongst ISIS files at near Deir Ezzor, Syria, they believe to be marketing towards the antiquities trade and collectors: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/united-states-files-complaint-seeking-forfeiture-antiquities-associated-islamic-state 


Specifically, the complaint alleges that the following items are subject to forfeiture:
 
NB -             Because civil forfeitures are suits against the property itself, the complaint names the four above antiquities as the defendants. The claims made in the complaint are only allegations and do not constitute a determination of liability.

            This case is being investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office, with support from the U.S. Department of State. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arvind K. Lal, Zia M. Faruqui, Deborah Curtis, Brian P. Hudak, Christopher B. Brown, and Ari Redbord, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Toni Donato, all from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, are representing the government.

            The FBI reminds the public to come forward with any information they may have about stolen art or cultural heritage items. Tips can be submitted to tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.


 

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